Care home resident fulfils dream of riding a horse for first time at 87

A Falkirk care home resident has fulfilled her dream of riding a horse for the first time, at the age of 87.

Mary Aitken, known as Myra, told staff at Airthrey Care Home of her wish to go horse riding, as part of the home’s Wishing Well initiative, which was launched in April.

Teaming up with charity Equi-Power, Myra enjoyed a day at the award-winning organisation’s equestrian centre in Stirling alongside two other residents, where they met and brushed ponies and enjoyed afternoon tea.

The 87-year-old then jumped at the chance to get in the saddle – and described her day as “the best experience ever”.

Myra also enjoyed grooming ponies and an afternoon tea Vermilion PR

Myra said: “I just got on [the horse’s] back. I got my leg over as if I was a youngster – that was how good it was. It was amazing.

“The best thing about it was that the horse stayed still, so I got my foot in one stirrup and the other one over, and I just sank into its seat. I had the best experience ever.”

Throughout the year, the Airthrey Care Home team will select one or two wishes each month that they will try to make come true.

Myra's dream was fufilled thanks to Airthrey Care Home's Wishing Well — Myra’s dream was fufilled thanks to Airthrey Care Home’s Wishing Well Vermilion PR

Every resident has the chance to write down a wish, such as favourite activity, a trip out, a special meal, or reconnecting with a hobby, and place it in the well.

All wishes are reviewed and approved to ensure they’re safe and achievable, and then the team works together to bring them to life.

Michelle Ruiz-Beltran, care home manager at Airthrey Care Home said: “The Wishing Well is something extra special that we’ve introduced to our home. We love celebrating the passions, talents and stories of the people who live with us, so getting to learn more about their dreams and then getting to make some of those come true is really magical.

Myra said she had the 'best experience ever' — Myra said she had the ‘best experience ever’ Vermilion PR

“Seeing the smile on Myra’s face and hearing the joy in her voice as she told us all about riding the horse was just incredible.

“These activities are all about creating joy, sharing experiences, and making meaningful memories together. The activities team have done a wonderful job creating this initiative and working out ways to make dreams come true.

“Well done to all of them for their hard work, and an extra special thank you to the talented team at Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA for making Myra’s experience possible. Our team and residents had such a fabulous time – and the look on Myra’s face just said it all.”